How Are the Trump Tariffs Affecting HSJ Small Business Owners? The Good, Bad & Ugly
If you run a small business in Hemet or San Jacinto, you may have noticed prices creeping up—on everything from supplies to materials—not just at the gas pump or grocery store. Could the Trump tariffs be part of the reason?
Whether you own a retail shop, work from home, or offer services around town, you might be feeling the squeeze in places you didn’t expect.
A big part of that squeeze? Trump’s Tariffs.
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With the return of Trump-era tariff policies this year, importing goods—especially from China and other major suppliers—has gotten more expensive and unpredictable. And for small businesses like yours, that can mean real challenges.
Here’s how the tariffs are affecting local business owners in the Valley—and what you need to watch out for.
1. Rising Costs of Imported Goods You Depend On
If your business relies on supplies, products, packaging, or tools that are imported, you’ve likely already noticed the price tags jumping. Tariffs are basically taxes on goods coming into the country—and when those taxes go up, so do the prices.
Unlike big companies that can negotiate lower costs or buy in bulk, small businesses often don’t have that wiggle room. You either have to absorb the costs (which hurts your profits) or pass them on to customers (which could hurt sales). Either way, it’s a tough spot to be in.
2. Supply Chain Interruptions
It’s not just about higher prices—it’s also about longer wait times and unpredictable deliveries.
Some local businesses in HSJ are finding it harder to keep key items in stock or get the materials they need to complete jobs. That’s because tariffs disrupt global supply chains, making it harder (and sometimes slower) to import products.
If you’ve had to tell customers, “It’s on backorder,” or “We’re still waiting for it to come in,” you’re not alone.
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3. Unfair Competition from Big Corporations
Let’s be real: big companies have the resources to ride out this storm better than small, independent ones.
Many of them can absorb tariff-related price hikes or find new suppliers more quickly.
That means while your costs go up and your delivery times slow down, bigger players might still be offering cheaper prices and faster service—which makes it even harder to compete locally.
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4. Harder to Plan Ahead
One of the most frustrating parts of all this is the uncertainty. Tariff policies can change quickly, depending on what’s happening in Washington, DC or overseas—and that makes it hard to plan for the next few months, let alone next year.
For small business owners trying to budget, stock inventory, or invest in growth, this kind of instability is a big roadblock. Some are choosing to hold off on expanding or hiring. Others are adjusting their pricing or product offerings just to stay afloat.
Join the Trump Tariffs Conversation
Are Trump’s tariffs making it harder to run your business? Whether you’re dealing with higher costs, shipping delays, or just trying to plan ahead in all the uncertainty—we want to hear from you.
Drop a comment below and share your experience. Let’s help each other out with ideas, workarounds, or just a little local support from fellow business owners in the San Jacinto Valley.
